"I suppose I may regard that as a compliment?" remarked Brett casually.
"Take it as you like," said Dubois. "And now that I have told you all that you want to know, I suppose, may I ask you a question of some interest to myself? What is to become of me? Am I to be hanged, or imprisoned, or passed on to the Sultan for treatment?"
Brett was silent for a few moments. He had fully discussed Dubois' connexion with the British authorities.
"How much of the five thousand pounds given you by the Turks remains in your possession?" he demanded.
The Frenchman hesitated before replying—
"There is no use lying to you. I have not yet expended the first thousand, although I had to pay pretty dearly for a good many things."
Again there was silence.
"Why did you come here?" asked the barrister.
"Because I would be safe for some months with a few hospitable gentlemen whom I know up in the hills there." He nodded towards the window, through which they could see the blue crests of the distant mountains.
"And then?"